Stage all set for Boxing Day touch

The stage is set for the 23rd Boxing Day Touch Tournament to be held on Saturday at Avatiu Field.

With 19 mixed teams confirmed, the day-long event promises lots of excitement and fun and an opportunity for clubs to gear up for the 2016 touch rugby season which starts next month.

The organising committee is on the lookout for one more team before working out the draws for the tournament.

Cook Islands Touch Association president Daphne Brown said the Boxing Day tournament was one of the association’s major events.

She said while most teams competed in the tournament for fun, some used it as a build up for the coming season.

“In the mixed are your regular touch players itching to run off the Christmas cheer, family reunion teams just wanting to have fun with the family, teams from overseas catching up with family and want to show their skills,” Brown said.

“The committee is looking forward to its 23rd year of Boxing Day Touch and to see what talent is out there.”

RBDG, which won the tournament last year, is back in the mix to retain their title.

The side has a good mix of young and experienced players who are expected to spice up the competition with their skill and pace.

“Teams are looking forward to the day. We are hoping to end our 2015 season with another successful tournament.”

Participating teams are reminded to assemble at the field by 9am before the kickoff at 9.30am.